BOSTON — Boston Celtics two-way player Ron Harper Jr. has been selected to participate in the 2026 Castrol Rising Stars challenge as one of 7 G League players, the NBA announced on Monday. Harper Jr., who spent the last two training camps with the Celtics before signing a two-way contract with Boston, has been one of the G League’s most consistent players this season.
The Rising Stars game, which will take place at All-Star Weekend next month, is comprised of 21 standout NBA rookies and sophomores, plus seven players who have played in G League games.
Joe Mazzulla congratulated Harper Jr. for earning the honor after the Celtics 102-94 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.
“To me again, it’s just trust,” Mazzulla said. “I mean, I watch him work out when he’s with us, side of that is like the professionalism. So, when he gets there early, he’s in the weight room doing what he’s supposed to be doing. He’s in the treatment room if he needs to be. He communicates at a high level. So there’s just a level of trust there.
Hall of Famers Carmelo Anthony, Vince Carter, and Tracy McGrady will serve as honorary coaches for the Castrol Rising Stars mini tourney, while former NBA player Austin Rivers will coach the G League Rising Stars team.
In addition to Harper Jr, the G League will be represented by Sean East II, Yang Hansen, Ron Harper Jr., David Jones Garcia, Yanic Konan Niederhouser, Alijah Martin, and Tristen Newton.
Ron Harper Jr. has been a Maine Celtics standout
Harper Jr has had a standout season in the G League, averaging 26.9 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, while shooting 49.7% from the field and 40.2% from three.
He’s appeared in 7 games for the Boston Celtics this season, most recently playing rotation minutes in a double-overtime win over the Brooklyn Nets on Friday.
“His shooting — obviously, it helps a ton,” Mazzulla said. “He’s a secondary ball handler, and I think his defense is good. Anytime we’re in games, the day after, he’s constantly pushing to become a better defender. So, just like the other guys, we put him out there; he’s going to impact winning.”
Previously, Harper Jr spent two years with the Toronto Raptors and one year with the Detroit Pistons. He was on two-way contracts with both teams.
While Harper Jr. got good news regarding the Rising Stars challenge, fellow Celtics rookie Hugo Gonzalez did not. Gonzalez was not selected as one of 10 NBA rookies to participate in Rising Stars; those rookies are Cedric Coward, Egor Demin, VJ Edgecombe, Jeremiah Fears, Cooper Flagg, Dylan Harper, Tre Johnson, Kon Knueppel, Collin Murray-Boyles, and Derik Queen.
